Engine Mechanical Topics Discussion for motor builds, cams, head work, stripped bolts and other engine related issues. The good and the bad. If it goes round and around or up and down, post it here.

Engine backfiring

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 28, 2010 | 02:22 PM
  #1  
olemissgrad's Avatar
olemissgrad
Thread Starter
|
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Default Engine backfiring

Hello -- I own a 1997 Harley Dyna, my first HD. Bike is naturally cold-blooded but yesterday while in fifth gear, I noticed it missing (sputtering) and popping quite a bit. A fellow rider suggested the negative battery cable could be loose. Any other possibilities?
 
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2010 | 02:24 PM
  #2  
tombeving's Avatar
tombeving
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 1
From: cd. Obregon, Sonora, mx
Default

Check that your exhaust pipes aren't loose. This can cause popping.
 
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2010 | 01:05 PM
  #3  
peppi's Avatar
peppi
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 720
Likes: 6
Default

You could have a loose or bad plug wire. check the battery terminals to see if they are tight.
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2010 | 08:59 AM
  #4  
otlawpan's Avatar
otlawpan
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Default

Also check for an intake leak.
 
Reply
Old Jul 31, 2010 | 07:53 AM
  #5  
olemissgrad's Avatar
olemissgrad
Thread Starter
|
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Default

Thanks, will check terminals today. Thing is, this only happens when I start off, then once it settles down, no problem.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mrhistory2012
Dyna Glide Models
4
Jun 21, 2015 10:10 AM
parrettdl
Dyna Glide Models
2
Sep 7, 2014 01:38 PM
olemissgrad
Exhaust System Topics
3
Jul 29, 2010 11:52 AM
jd140400
Softail Models
5
Nov 17, 2008 05:08 PM
Jimi D Pirate
Ignition/Tuner/ECM/Fuel Injection
11
Sep 18, 2008 01:25 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:25 PM.

story-0
10 Most Awkward-Looking Motorcycles Ever Built

Slideshow: Not every motorcycle can be a design icon, and these machines prove that bold styling doesn't always age gracefully.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:58:41


VIEW MORE
story-1
Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs

Slideshow: Jason Momoa's latest restoration project blends 1920s Harley-Davidsons with modern electric technology, creating some of the most unusual hybrid motorcycles ever built.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:18:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

Slideshow: Killer Custom's latest build relies on styling changes rather than performance upgrades, giving the cruiser an entirely different personality.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 18:28:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-4
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-5
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-9
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE